Margaret A. Stortz

Margaret A. Stortz
July 3, 1927 November 10, 2012

After living a very rich and fulfilled life, Margaret Ann Stortz passed away at home surrounded by her family on November 10th. Margaret Peichl Stortz was born on July 3, 1927 in Watertown, the daughter of Joseph and Eusebia (Berg) Peichl. She graduated from Jefferson High School in 1945. On January 15, 1950 she married Roland F. Stortz and then lived for the next 62 years in their home in Fort Atkinson.

Always full of life with much energy, wit, and fun-loving humor, she filled the room with her presence. As a teenager she was nicknamed Egg by her friends as in being a good egg. An early employment experience as a telephone operator recalled many humorous stories of listening in on conversations. She later worked with her husband Rollie in the family business.

She leaves an incredible legacy for her universal faith and hope for each of her children and grandchildren to be their best. She loved to attend and participated in many local plays, concerts, scouting events, sporting events, and recitals and in later years attended every grandchilds event that was possible. She especially loved sitting under the oak trees at Jones Park to watch baseball games. There was always a Brewers or Packer game to talk about and watch with Gram.

Maggie was a cook with tremendous abilities even with frequent reminders from husband Rollie who relayed that he taught her how to cook. There was lots of wild game prepared including duck, rabbit, squirrel, turtle, deer, and even muskrat. Many friends enjoyed her hospitality sitting around the kitchen table drinking coffee and playing cards. She was welcoming, tolerant, and accepting of everyone who came to visit regardless of affiliations, faith, beliefs, or political parties. By example she helped all of us understand what it meant to be respectful of others and appreciate diversity, and more so how to love one another.

Her passion for life, zeal, and zest was remarkable. She enjoyed the family cabin in Bagley on the Mississippi River, participating in hunting, fishing, and walking in the woods. Even in her 70s she had an adventurous spirit taking a hot air balloon ride over Jefferson County. As a teen she was a speed skate racer on a mens team and was considered good enough to be an Olympic participant.

She loved and many loved her. Her husband Rollie preceded her in death. Margaret is survived by her children, Cathy (Greg) Idzikowski, Barb (Jim) Athas of Fort Atkinson, and Peter (Jan) of Palmer, Alaska. Grandchildren, her greatest joys, include: Andy (Hilary) Frame, Luke (Danielle Oleston) Frame, Pete, Sam, and Ben Idzikowski, Aaron (Allie) Athas, Katie (Nathan) Fortney, Joe and Ana Athas, Garrett and Hannah Stortz, Addy Frame, Maddie Busshardt, and Noah and Abby Frame.

The family will greet friends and share stories at St. Josephs Catholic Church on Saturday, November 24th beginning at 9:30am. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 11:00am.

A buffet meal will follow at Salamones Hwy 12 West in Fort Atkinson. Friends are asked to bring a story to share about Margaret.

Memorials may be made to Fort Parks and Recreation (Jones Park Improvement) or Rainbow Hospice.

The Dunlap Memorial Home is assisting the family.

www.dunlapmemorialhome.com

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